The iconic Haveli restaurants, truly unmissable establishments when travelling across Punjab’s highways, are a testament to the state’s history and the community life of an era gone by. Haveli recalls the most authentic essence from the Punjab region by scouring through the history of food, architecture, culture, and community to bring back the era.
With its contextual placemaking strategies, Haveli recalls Punjab’s truest essence while responding to the demands of standardisation in a networked venture.
Revitalising Punjab’s Rural Heritage through Placemaking
Haveli takes a holistic approach to placemaking. It serves as a vibrant, inclusive, and engaging public space that celebrates Punjab’s heritage and promotes social and economic benefits for the community, transcending beyond its identity as a hospitality venture.
A cultural journey into the legacy of Punjab
Fringing the bustling highways of Jalandhar (Punjab), Haveli, one of many in the chain, is conceived as a hospitality space that balances grandeur and convenience with contextual cultural recall. Spread across an expanse of over 1 Lakh square feet, Haveli is more than just a highway eatery; it unfolds as a cultural oasis.
Celebrating the Rangla-Punjab theme through a hospitality space
Haveli marries traditional elements with contemporary overtones to provide a comfortable, accessible and best-in-class service, weaving together a tapestry of historical charm and modern vibrancy. This vision manifests itself in diverse ways in each building in the complex, which comprises the Rangla Punjab Resorts.
Inspired by traditional Punjabi villages, the layout features distinct zones, including a central bazaar, cultural marketplace, and recreational spaces. To the right lies the Rangla Punjab-themed village, a glimpse of which one gets while on the highway. Moving past the courtyard, one is led into the entrance of the Haveli-themed restaurant.
The vernacular material palette pays homage to the cultural odyssey of the region
The project maintains the authenticity of native materials. By sourcing the materials locally, transportation emissions from the manufacturing centres to the remote sites plummet drastically.
Nanakshahi bricks, found typically in the traditional masonry walls of heritage structures in remote Punjab, were procured from the buildings that awaited demolition. Reviving them with the help of local kilns not only maintained the authenticity of the raw bricks but also promoted regional procurement. Binding, cladding, and structural elements like lime, stone, and wood replace concrete, maintaining a tangible connection to the past.
Conscious design interventions and an underlay of sustainability
While the rich legacy of the region of Punjab is conceived to be a core of Haveli, the idea of building responsibly is interwoven into the design approach.
- Traditional baolis (stepwells) or modern underground tanks store rainwater, ensuring a circular water supply to some extent. Greywater recycling systems are installed for irrigation and non-potable uses.
- Energy efficiency is achieved through the use of solar panels and lighting. Courtyards and green spaces within the length of haveli act as natural cooling systems, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling.
- Waste management practices include segregating waste at the source, composting organic waste, and recycling materials such as glass and metal.
- Construction debris is minimised and reused wherever possible.
- Traditional construction techniques, like thick brick walls and jharokhas, enhance thermal insulation, maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures year-round. Next-gen tech adds to conventional cooling techniques like VRV.
The role of technology
The design integrates advanced technology with traditional aesthetics, creating a modern yet culturally rich urban space.
- Next-generation automation is central to the seamless functioning of the haveli’s services. Integrated Building Management Systems (BMS) control lighting, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), and security systems.
- Smart sensors and IoT (Internet of Things) devices enable real-time monitoring and maintenance, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime.
Cultural and recreational spaces:
An amphitheatre dedicated to folk performances such as Bhangra and Giddha, with storytelling sessions, celebrates the performing arts heritage. Spaces dedicated to teaching the arts of Phulkari embroidery, pottery, and other traditional crafts allow visitors to experience Punjab’s artistic heritage hands-on.
